Who is Gary Neville? Sky Sports Faces Backlash After His “Middle-Aged White Men” Comment

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville is facing serious criticism after his recent comments about “angry middle-aged white men” caused outrage among football fans and commentators.

The former Manchester United and England defender shared a video on LinkedIn on Friday. In the clip, Neville reflected on the Manchester synagogue terror attack, which killed two Jewish worshippers. But his video soon turned political when he blamed “angry, middle-aged white men” for dividing Britain.

Gary Neville’s Controversial Remarks Spark Public Anger

Neville, 50, said the country was being “turned on each other” and called it “disgusting.” His remarks came only a day after the deadly attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation, where Jihad Al-Shamie killed two people.

Fans quickly reacted online, accusing Neville of being insensitive. Many said he unfairly blamed ordinary people for a terrorist act. One fan wrote, “How can you blame people like me for this attack?” Another asked whether Sky Sports still wanted Neville to represent them.

Some fans even called for a boycott of Sky Sports until the channel takes action.

Sky Sports Yet to Comment on the Growing Boycott Calls

As of now, Sky Sports has not made an official statement. Social media, however, is filled with angry posts demanding an apology or explanation from Neville.

The ex-footballer, who co-owns Salford City FC, said he took down a Union Jack flag near one of his building sites. He claimed its sudden appearance “sent a message” of intolerance.

Neville said, “When I was driving to Salford City last night, I saw 50 or 60 Union Jack flags. On the way back, I saw the Jewish community standing defiant on the streets. One of my development sites had a flag up last week — I took it down instantly.”

Operation Raise the Colours and the Flag Controversy

Neville’s comments indirectly referred to Operation Raise the Colours, a campaign encouraging Britons to hang national flags in support of unity.

While some praised him for standing against extremism, others said he turned a tragedy into a political debate.

Barrie Taube, a Manchester synagogue security volunteer, said Neville misunderstood the real issue. “The division is caused by hate speech, not by middle-aged men with flags,” he said.

Political and Public Figures Join the Debate

Reform UK MP Lee Anderson said Neville was “out of touch,” adding, “You had no problem playing in front of the England flag.”

Former MP Andrea Jenkyns called him “Gary Lineker Mark Two,” accusing him of hypocrisy. “He was happy for white men to buy his shirts and tickets,” she said.

Gary Neville Defends His Love for England

In response to the backlash, Neville said he was not being unpatriotic. “I played for my country 85 times. I love England,” he said.

He added that flags should not be used in a “negative way.” Neville insisted he wanted the country to “get back to peace, love, and harmony.”

He also blamed dangerous political messaging and the post-Brexit environment for spreading hate and division in the UK.

Who is Gary Neville Wife?

Gary Neville has been married to Emma Hadfield since 2007. The couple share two daughters, Molly and Sophie. While Emma has not commented publicly on her husband’s recent controversy, she has often stayed away from media attention, preferring a private family life. Sources close to the family told UK media that Emma has been supportive of Neville’s efforts to promote peace and unity but is “deeply aware” of how divided opinions have become online.

Final Thoughts

Despite his message calling for unity, Neville’s video has divided public opinion even further. Supporters say he spoke his truth. Critics believe he made a national tragedy political.

Sky Sports now faces increasing pressure to respond as fans threaten to cancel subscriptions.